First female 102nd Intelligence Wing vice commander retires

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Patrick McKenna
  • 102nd Intelligence Wing Public Affairs
OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. --  Colonel Christina G. Stevens, formerly the 102nd Intelligence Wing vice commander, concluded her Air Force career in front of her family, close friends and fellow Airmen during a retirement ceremony here March 31, 2012.

Several Airmen whom Stevens served with during her more than 25 years in the Air Force took the opportunity to highlight their experiences with her. There were plenty of stories and laughs celebrating Stevens' accomplishments as both a person and Airman.

Stevens was praised for a diverse career which saw her lead Airmen in the fields of finance management and aircraft maintenance before serving as the 102nd Wing's Inspector General from 2002-2007, the 102nd Mission Support Group commander from 2007-2008, and then culminating with her serving as the wing's vice commander from 2008 until earlier this year.

She served more than 13 years at Otis ANGB, and was described as a tremendous leader during a time Otis ANGB experienced both milestone events and big changes in its missions. She was the maintenance squadron commander on Sept. 11, 2001, and led that squadron as they provided more than 3,000 hours of air defense in the months that followed. She was also commended by Col. Anthony E. Schiavi, 102nd Intelligence Wing commander, for the crucial role she played as the wing underwent the Base Realignment and Closure process in 2005 and again as it transitioned from a fighter to intelligence wing two years later.

"There's so much about retirement that you have to look forward to," said Schiavi, as he spoke about Stevens during the ceremony. "You have great memories related to your work here at the wing, but also have more you'll create in the future. You'll always be a part of our family and we wish you the best of luck."

The ceremony concluded with Stevens addressing those in attendance. She thanked her family, friends and fellow servicemembers for their support and a career of positive experiences and memories. She reflected about how quickly her career went by and offered some words of advice to the Airmen who will follow in her footsteps.

"It goes by in a snap so enjoy every minute of it," Stevens said. "Don't look for the next assignment or promotion. Value what you are doing right now even if it's hard to see your way clear of doing that. Every year you wear the uniform and every experience you have will become the piece of a whole. Once you take each of those individual pieces and put them together eventually, you'll be able to see your career in its entirety and you will find you've lived a life uncommon with passion for what you do, dedication and service."